Snake Charmers

When the snake charmers walk along the lanes, The excited kids follow them in chains. Holding their snakes in round baskets and pots, The charmers search for the suitable spots. Wear specific attire for they have flair, Grow handlebar moustache, long curly hair; Keep hoop earrings, zari turbans on heads; Put blobs on foreheads; hung bead chains with threads. Sitting cross-legged in front of those pots, Grabbing our attention, untie the knots. Carry their flutes made of dried bottle gourds, Play their music notes, expecting rewards. The serpent rises from with its hood up; They move knees to the snake; a right set up. It sways hood and makes hissing as if charmed, Charmers too believe the same and affirmed. . How do the charmers run the show freely? Are they not afraid of them really? The backdrop secret is ignored and skipped The poor serpent’s fangs are almost ripped. A STRAND (1066) Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Brian Strand Date: 04-02-2022 Placed : 1st